Any business that has to balance craftsmanship with efficiency to the extent that Berg Performance does could benefit from a military-like diligence. Bryan Gonier, Berg’s operations manager and self-described “quiet professional” behind the scenes, brings just that to the team. His dedication to cleanliness, organization, attention to detail and presentation come as second nature thanks to a background that stems from the Marine Corps. Growing up in a small town in upstate New York presented few opportunities for personal growth, so Bryan went for the ultimate challenge: He joined the Marines immediately following high school graduation. At age 17, he found himself in boot camp and ticking off goals left and right—in addition to testing his mettle, he was accumulating life experiences.

His travels took him through many countries where an appreciation for the different cultures also bolstered his existing interest in cars. European vehicles caught his eye in particular, an allure Bryan described as a sophisticated look combined with a unique perfection. Audi was always in the mix of cars Bryan was drawn to, and his genuine interest intensified after buying and wrenching on what’s still his daily driver today: a 2001 B5 S4 Avant with a list of customization projects that rivals its mileage in length.

For Bryan, Berg represented the ideal opportunity to align his proclivity for German autos with his disciplined professionalism. Both qualities serve him well in the day-to-day duties of making sure the shop is operating smoothly, working on various shop improvements, and his favorite part of the job, interacting with the eclectic mix of individuals who make coming to work every day more enjoyable.

Now that Bryan’s already managed to accomplish so many life goals, there is the matter of car goals. He has many, but if the keys to any car could appear in his hands, he would want to open his garage to a Goodwood Green C8 RS6.